What is an office fit out

What is office fit out: turning an internal space into a productive office

One of the most exciting things about launching a new business is finding the right office space and making that internal space a productive place to be, while also reflecting your brand image and core values.

Not every location comes ready to use, but choosing to have a fit out can be a bit of a minefield. In this blog we’ll explore the different types of work done, what they entail and how each one can meet your business needs.

By clarifying the difference between each type of fit out and helping you know your cat a from your cat b, we’ll make sure you get the best from your office space.

What does office fit out mean?

It’s a very good question, and one that can be confusing for some business owners who aren’t in the building or construction trade, and the chances are you don’t know what you’re getting.

We can help with commercial office fit out, office refurbishments, interior fit-out, new office interiors and workplace design. But what’s the difference between them?

Not all fit outs are the same and the level of work that is done will depend on the contract that has been agreed, but an office fit out falls into three categories, each with key differences.

A shell and core fit out

As the name suggests, a shell and core fit out gives you a concrete structure but not much else. Your building may look finished from the outside, but in reality it’s a blank canvas on the inside and far from comfortable or even habitable.

Expect to see lots of concrete floors, bare walls and perhaps exposed pipework inside, though your interior designer may choose to incorporate some of these elements in the final office.

Depending on the contract, a shell and core fit out could also include the installation of lifts, communal toilets or the building’s reception area.

Cat A fit out

This category of fit out moves on from structural work and takes a building project on to the next level from shell and core, with basic internal finishes added to the interior space, depending on the tenant’s requirements.

That can include the installation of suspended ceilings and internal surfaces, alongside mechanical and electrical services.

The Cat A fit out process also includes the installation of raised floors, air conditioning units, smoke alarms and toilets, making the space suitable for use as a new office.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the building’s landlord may request the space be returned to Cat A condition if or when you move out.

Cat B fit out

Cat B fits ensures that blank canvas is turned into a functioning office building with the deployment of the interior design vision, and is the most creative fit out of the three, as the office really starts to come together.

The floor plan is turned into an office layout, communal areas are defined, as well as breakout areas, the kitchen and meeting rooms, while door and floor finishes are chosen.

Refurbishing your space

Perhaps your business is expanding to new offices, you need to modify existing office space or you want to make another space suitable for use, in which case office refurbishment could be the best solution – though it’s not the same as a category b fit out.

The main difference between it and a fit out is refurbishment refers specifically to overhauling or updating an existing space, rather than a complete fit out, either because the company using it has rebranded, or expanded, or simply because the decor and furniture is a little tired and suffering from wear and tear.

A refurbishment project can, however, refer to an improved cat B fit out, a process which can see the office space stripped back to the shell and core stage, depending on exactly what the business owner or interior designer is looking to create.

Our expert team takes a collaborative approach throughout the fit out process to create the best solution for you, ensuring your vision becomes a reality, on budget and on schedule.

What is included in a fit out?

To recap: the three stages of office fit out begin with shell and core, which prepares a building ready for use, creating a concrete shell and sometimes extending beyond the office spaces to include car parks and stairways.

Cat A office fit outs turn the blank canvas into a very basic space that’s ready for the next stage of development. Suspended ceilings, raised floors, and smoke alarms are likely fitted at this stage.

It’s followed by a Cat B fit out, and this is where things really start to take shape. During cat B fit outs, spaces such as meeting rooms and breakout areas are defined, design features and soft furnishings are added, making the office fit for occupation.

Office refurbishment can be linked to Cat B fit outs but the main difference is there’s more of a focus on interior design work, it’s either updated or re done.

Whether you’re looking for office refurbishment, renovation or any level of office fit out, our expert team can provide everything you need, from workplace strategy, office systems and office layouts, all with the highest quality project management and workmanship.